And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can a man do that comes after the king? even that which has been already done.
All Commentaries on Ecclesiastes 2:12 Go To Ecclesiastes 2
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
What. Hebrew, "For what man shall come after the king? "Septuagint, "after counsel? "Many other versions may be given of this obscure text. Solomon stopt at human wisdom, without consulting the divine; or he asks who shall have greater facility to acquire knowledge than himself, or equal his works? (Calmet)
Man's wisdom compared with God's is contemptible; though it be preferable to folly. (Menochius)